ADI's low-G accelerometer offers greater temperature stability

Analog Devices Inc. has introduced a low-G accelerometer the company said provides added temperature stability for high-performance systems such as automotive stability controls, active vehicle suspensions, GPS navigation, and military/aerospace navigation and targeting.

The accelerometer, offered in single-axis (ADXL103) and dual-axis (ADXL-203) versions, achieves a temperature sensitivity stability of + or - 0.3% over a - 40°C to 125°C range. By comparison, temperature stability of a closely competing accelerometer is+ or -2.4% over a - 40°C to 105°C range, according to Analog Devices.

"We're seeing a lot of interest from automotive manufacturers," said Paul Ganci, product line director of micromachined devices at Analog Devices, Norwood, Mass. "There's been lots of recent talk from safety agencies about rollover accidents, and this accelero-meter's performance makes it easier to incorporate into automotive systems."

While the new ADXL devices incorporate the same MEMS technology used in Analog Devices' other accelerometers, their improved stability over temperature gives them higher accuracy needed for low G-force sensing that warrants their higher price compared with lower-performing accelerometers used for consumer electronics, Ganci said.

The ADXL103 and ADXL203 are priced at $4.95 and $7.50 in quantities of 10,000. By comparison, Analog Devices' ADXL311, an accelerometer designed for consumer electronics, comes in a 5- ¥ 5- ¥ 2mm hermetic leadless chip carrier, like the new parts, but costs $2.50 in identical quantities, he said.

The accelerometer measures both static and dynamic acceleration in a range of + or -1/7G typical. Outputs are analog- voltage proportional to acceleration. The sensor operates over a 1- to 2kHz bandwidth. Other specifications include a stability of better than 50ppm°C and a zero G-force bias accuracy of + or -25 milli-gravitational units typical, the company said.

Samples are available, and volume production will begin August at Analog Devices' Cambridge, Mass., plant.